External Expert (Consultant) – MEAL
Organisation: DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance
Unit: Strategy, Evidence and Learning (Stratex)
Reporting to: Head of Stratex
Contract type: External consultancy
Duty station: Remote, with required travel to Geneva and DCAF Country Offices
Duration: late February – July 2026 (5 months)
Level of effort: Up to 25%, for a maximum of 30 working days
1. Background and Rationale
DCAF is implementing its 2025–2030 Strategy, underpinned by the One-DCAF Results Framework and an enhanced Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) architecture.
During the maternity leave of the Senior Advisor, MEAL (February–August 2026), a limited number of highly technical MEAL tasks cannot be absorbed internally and require senior technical expertise.
This consultancy is therefore established to provide targeted, on-demand MEAL technical backstopping, without replacing staff roles or assuming coordination or management responsibilities.
2. Purpose of the Consultancy
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide short-term, demand-driven technical advice on specific MEAL questions requiring advanced methodological expertise, particularly related to:
- Delivery of targeted MEAL capacity-building activities;
- Piloting and deployment of One-DCAF Results Framework methodologies and tools;
- Support to the development of MEAL approaches and tools for priority initiatives;
- Provision of MEAL guidance and quality assurance to DCAF programmes and ad hoc technical troubleshooting, including as needed.
The consultant will not be responsible for routine MEAL coordination or reporting.
3. Scope of Work
The assignment is designed as a mixed predetermined and on-demand technical MEAL support. The tasks outlined below refer to the targeted support that will be needed during the maternity coverage:
- Targeted Technical Input to Priority Initiatives
- Deliver MEAL training in accordance with DCAF MEAL architecture, the One-DCAF Results Framework, and existing DCAF guidelines and tools. At least one in-person training (3 days) is tentatively planned in Geneva in early-May 2026. A second training may be delivered in the MENA region during the contract period, subject to confirmation of needs, dates, and available level of effort;
- Provide MEAL technical guidance to the project Enhancing the Mitigation of Security Risks Linked to Critical Raw Materials in Fragile Contexts. This includes:
- Baseline ToRs drafting, baseline methodology and tools conceptualization and review (2 days)
- MEAL plan development, including data collection methods (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) and tools (2 days);
- Technical support and advice for Monitoring and learning activities (1 day)
- Data quality assurance and support as needed.
- Provide technical support to DCAF teams in gathering data on the One-DCAF Results Framework (1-DCAF RF) as per defined calendar (5 days), including:
- Responding to technical questions related to the Framework indicators and methodologies;
- Advise on appropriate data sources, methods, and triangulation approaches;
- Provide expertise on methodological adaptations based on piloting feedback.
- Support the operationalization of the DCAF Expertise Desk (2 day);
- Support the MEAL Project Officer in updating MEAL guidelines for DCAF-NL partnership indicator data collection, reflecting the latest logframe updates (1 day).
Depending on emerging needs and priorities, the consultant may be requested to provide additional, closely related MEAL technical inputs not explicitly listed above, within the overall purpose and agreed level of effort of the consultancy. Specific tasks, timelines, and deliverables will be agreed on a case-by-case basis with Stratex.
B. Technical Quality Assurance
- Provide desk-based technical review of selected MEAL documents, tools or approaches when requested (e.g. survey instruments, evaluation ToRs, RF data).
- Offer concise, written and practical recommendations on MEAL processes and tools when requested.
4. Deliverables
Deliverables include:
- Detailed handover report at the end of the consultancy;
- Monthly update reports of key activities undertaken;
- Methodological notes or recommendations on specific MEAL deliverables supported (max. 2–3 pages);
- Written technical reviews of MEAL documents, tools, or data collection approaches;
- Minutes meeting from participation in technical calls or discussions (remote)
5. Management and Travels
An initial induction with the Senior Advisor, MEAL, will take place in Geneva between 23–27 February 2026, while the final handover will occur between 30 July and 15 August 2026 in person in Geneva.
In person presence in Geneva might be required to facilitate initial induction and/or handover. Travel to the MENA region might be needed to support with MEAL capacity building, while physical presence in Geneva in early May for 3 to 4 days during the MEAL training of the Sahel team will be required. Travel will be undertaken only when required and pre-approved by DCAF. All related travel costs will be covered by DCAF.
The consultant will be contracted and managed by the Strategy and Execution (Stratex) entity: requests for support will be channelled through the Head of Stratex or the MEAL Project Officer (PO). While the supervision of the consultant remains within the Head of Stratex, the consultant will work in close coordination with the MEAL Project Officer and the Junior Project Officer, from whom the request for technical support will flow. The consultant is not expected to have any supervisory or coordination authority.
6. Required Qualifications and Experience
The below qualifications are minimum requirements for this consultancy.
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in evaluation, social sciences, development studies, or a related field.
- At least 10 years of professional experience in MEAL, evaluation, or applied research in complex or fragile contexts.
- Demonstrated expertise in:
- Results frameworks and outcome-level measurement
- Impact measurement
- Qualitative and mixed-methods evaluation
- Sampling and data collection design
- Strong analytical and written communication skills.
- Prior experience working with international organisations.
- Experience working in security sector governance programmes is a strong asset. Alternatively, experience working in related field such as peace and security, peacebuilding or protection is an added advantage.
- Fluency in English is required; fluency in French is a strong asset.
7. Level of Effort and Payment
- Minimum number of consultancy days expected is 18, this includes: one day for onboarding and one for handover in Geneva, plus the deliverables outlined under the Scope of Work. Further days will be activated based on confirmed requests from Stratex
- Up to 30 working days total over the 5-month period.
- Level of effort expected to fluctuate depending on needs.
- Payment based on actual days worked, processed monthly, in line with DCAF consultancy rates.
8. Budget
The budget available for this consultancy is in the range of CHF 15,000 to CHF 20,000. Final agreed daily rate will be based on DCAF established consultancy grid based on qualification and experience. Proposals will be assessed in line with value-for-money principles, considering motivation, daily professional fees, demonstrated expertise, and the quality and relevance of the application put forward.
Notes on Deliverables and Payments
- Payments will be made monthly upon satisfactory completion and acceptance of each deliverable (technical notes, monthly reports and final handover). The consultant is expected to submit monthly invoices and reports.
- The total level of effort across all deliverables will not exceed the agreed cap.
9. Ethical Standards and Compliance
The consultant will be required to:
- Adhere to DCAF’s ethical standards and values.
- Complete any required declarations related to integrity, conflict of interest, and conduct, in line with DCAF policies.
- Abide by DCAF policies on data protection, confidentiality, and responsible use of sensitive information.
How to apply
Interested applicants must be able to travel to Geneva on short notice. Interested applicants must apply online by submiting a short CV (2 to 3 pages max) and a motivation letter with daily rates by 31 January 2026.